Negative thinking is never a good force in life–but it is a powerful force, often times more powerful than the positive thoughts you call on to combat it. But don’t despair! Half of winning a battle is knowing your enemy.
Be extra vigilant, knowing that living a life of hope and optimism is not easy… but it is so worth it!
Throughout the Bible, God urges us to think wisely and positively. “Get wisdom, get understanding,” says Proverbs 4:5. In Isaiah 1:18, the Lord insists, “Come now, and let’s settle this… Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow. If they are red as crimson, they will become like wool….”
When you expect good things from God, you get good things from God! The psalmist prays “Teach us to number our days so we can have a wise heart” (Psalm 90:12). Every day is a gift from God; celebrate it.
Jesus told stories that made people think. He urged them to reflect on the marvelous way God feeds the birds and clothes lilies with glorious beauty (Matthew 6:26-29).
And when Jesus quoted the Old Testament command to love God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), he added, “with all your mind” (Mark 12:30). Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians records the apostle’s desire to “capture every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (10:5).
Philippians 4:8 provides a foolproof strategy to keep your thoughts positive and God-centered: “From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.”
Sure, negative thinking is powerful. But it can’t begin to stand up to the faith-filled joy and hope God wants to give you. Read your Bible. Claim its promises. Let its truths trample negative thoughts. Think positive!
